Chapter 54

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Fire whispers words of strength. Warmth spreads in a tingling dance. Power bursts with unstoppable force.

The flames that shoot out of Leonie's hands do not resemble any flames anyone had ever seen before. Instead of hurting, the way the Hunters and Gatherers expect them to, they create a protective wall around the trolls.

Leonie's control of fire is so impressive that it harms none. It actually creates a high obstacle that even the best Hunter would not be able to cross without being burnt.

Fear was palpable in the air. Even Arawn and Buckthorn could feel its acidic taste.

Upon creating the protection for the slumbering trolls, Leonie crumbled to the ground utterly spent. Yet, to everyone's shock, the fire kept on burning. It was as if it was an entity of its own, obeying the call of its master.

"Leonie, my dear, are you alright?" Amitola asked, running to her daughter's aid.

"I am fine...just tired. It's been a long day." Leonie said sleepily.

Amitola sat on the ground next to Leonie and put her daughter's head on her lap to use as a pillow.

"That's alright. You did great. You can rest now." Amitola said soothingly as she gently stroked Leonie's hair.

"Daddy...I am sorry, mom. I failed to save him. I am so sorry." Leonie said, tears running down her cheeks.

"Leonie, daddy said you made the right choice, that he is very proud of you," Nald said, having approached his family so quietly that they had not even heard him.

"You've spoken to your father?" Amitola asked with sadness in her voice.

"Yes. I don't know how. While you were dealing with Hunters and Gatherers, I heard his voice, telling me how proud he was of all of us. But he especially wanted you, Leonie, to know that he is not angry with you. He admires your courage." Nald said seriously.

"Thank you...It means a lot," Leonie said, hugging her brother tightly.

Moments later, her eyes closed and she fell into a dreamless slumber which she welcomed with open arms.

Rest was something she needed more than anything. Though she wished to hear her father's reassuring words herself, the oblivion of sleep was something she needed much more at that moment.

***

"Are you sure she will be alright?" Leonie heard Amitola ask what felt like hours later.

"Trust me, Amitola, she will be better than fine. She just needs to rest. It hasn't been easy for her, but I have done everything in my power to make her more comfortable, to chase away the nightmares." Toras said.

"I know, and I am forever grateful to you, Toras. You have proved yourself to be a true friend to this family." Amitola said.

"You know that there is nothing I wouldn't do for you, don't you?" Toras asked his voice full of emotions, which he dared not voice.

"Toras, I... I am not sure...I mean... I..." Amitola stared to say.

"No, you don't have to say anything. These are hard times for you, I understand. I just want you to know that I'll be always there for you and that you can trust me." Toras said.

"I know. I wish..." Amitola started to say.

"Shh, let's deal with the trouble that's coming first. Then, we can talk about...whatever you wish us to talk about," Toras said.

He did not want to force Amitola to reveal how she felt or did not feel before she was ready.

Leonie shifted and gasped as pain sliced through her forehead. It was stronger than anything she had ever experienced before, and it took her some time to adjust to the painful waking state.

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